obloquy
noun
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English speakers can choose from several synonyms to name a tongue-lashing. Abuse is a good general term that usually stresses the anger of the speaker and the harshness of the language, as in "scathing verbal abuse." Vituperation often specifies fluent, sustained abuse; "a torrent of vituperation" is a typical use of this term. Invective implies vehemence comparable to vituperation but may suggest greater verbal and rhetorical skill; it may also apply especially to a public denunciation, as in "blistering political invective." Obloquy, which comes from the Late Latin ob- (meaning "against") plus loquī (meaning "to speak"), suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace; a typical example of its use is "subjected to obloquy and derision."
Synonyms
- abuse
- billingsgate
- fulmination
- invective
- scurrility
- vitriol
- vituperation
Example Sentences
Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 July 2021 This kind of bitter obloquy can be found in the editorial pages of many global publications. Annabelle Timsit, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2021 The only freedom and independence are in learning to be equally indifferent to both praise and obloquy. Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 27 Aug. 2019 Years later, Adams wrote that his decision ‘procured me anxiety, and obloquy …. James Hohmann, Washington Post, 8 June 2018 The cross-dressing women were not often the target of obloquy or mockery. Longreads, 8 May 2018 Years later, Adams wrote that his decision ‘procured me anxiety, and obloquy …. James Hohmann, Washington Post, 8 June 2018 The cross-dressing women were not often the target of obloquy or mockery. Longreads, 8 May 2018 The obloquy that would fall upon them for having done nothing could have cost many of them their seats—and perhaps jeopardized their party’s control of both chambers. Elizabeth Drew, New Republic, 21 Dec. 2017 See More Word History
Middle English obloquie, obloqui, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French obloquie, borrowed from Late Latin obloquium, from obloquī "to speak against, blame" (going back to Latin, "to break in on, interrupt," from ob- "against" + loquī "to speak") + Latin -ium, deverbal suffix of function or state — more at eloquent
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
obloquy
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- abuse
- vituperation
- insult
- criticism
- billingsgate
- fulmination
- invective
- scurrility
- vitriol
- epithet
- curse
- castigation
- revilement
- blackguardism
- reprimand
- excoriation
- vilification
- imprecation
- slur
- malediction
- disparagement
- opprobrium
- blasphemy
- rebuke
- aspersion
- chastisement
- execration
- belittlement
- reproof
- swearword
- tirade
- polemic
- expletive
- profanity
- diatribe
- harangue
- bad-mouthing
- put-down
- broadside
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- praise
- acclaim
- applause
- commendation
- endearments
- compliments
- congratulations
- adulation
- felicitations
- flattery
- blarney
- overpraise
- soft soap
Synonyms & Similar Words
- disgrace
- shame
- odium
- ignominy
- opprobrium
- contempt
- humiliation
- infamy
- disrepute
- reproach
- dishonor
- disdain
- stigma
- discredit
- scorn
- disesteem
- scandal
- disapproval
- taint
- disapprobation
- stain
- abasement
- degradation
- debasement
- despite
- dust
- blot
- deprecation
- debasing
- smirch
- slur
- disfavor
- brand
- humbling
- shadow
- spot
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- esteem
- respect
- admiration
- fear
- honor
- regard
- estimation
- appreciation
- fame
- reverence
- glory
- repute
- awe
- renown
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of obloquy are abuse, billingsgate, invective, and vituperation. While all these words mean "vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval," obloquy suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace.
The synonyms abuse and obloquy are sometimes interchangeable, but abuse, the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language.
While the synonyms billingsgate and obloquy are close in meaning, billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse.
The words invective and obloquy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation.
Although the words vituperation and obloquy have much in common, vituperation implies fluent and sustained abuse.